Route 66 is perhaps the most iconic roadway in the United States, stretching from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California. The famed highway has been immortalized in songs and movies, and it is a popular destination for road trips. But just how far does Route 66 go?
Route 66 officially began in 1926 and ended in 1985, but the route has been modified several times since then. In total, Route 66 is approximately 2,448 miles long, stretching through eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The route is divided into four distinct sections: the Midwestern, Southern, Southwestern, and Western sections.
Midwestern Section
The Midwestern section of Route 66 runs from Chicago, Illinois to Tulsa, Oklahoma. This section is 754 miles long and passes through Illinois, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Along the way, travelers will pass through the cities of St. Louis, Missouri; Springfield, Illinois; and Joplin, Missouri. This section of the route is known for its rolling hills and lush greenery. It is also home to several iconic landmarks, including the Meramec Caverns in Missouri and the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma.
Southern Section
The Southern section of Route 66 runs from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Amarillo, Texas. This section is 511 miles long and passes through Oklahoma and Texas. Along the way, travelers will pass through the cities of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Wichita Falls, Texas; and Amarillo, Texas. This section of the route is known for its wide-open spaces and vast prairies. It is also home to several iconic landmarks, including the Cadillac Ranch in Texas and the Round Barn in Arcadia, Oklahoma.
Southwestern Section
The Southwestern section of Route 66 runs from Amarillo, Texas to Gallup, New Mexico. This section is 651 miles long and passes through Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Along the way, travelers will pass through the cities of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Flagstaff, Arizona; and Holbrook, Arizona. This section of the route is known for its red-rock formations and desert landscapes. It is also home to several iconic landmarks, including the Painted Desert in Arizona and the Petrified Forest in Arizona.
Western Section
The Western section of Route 66 runs from Gallup, New Mexico to Los Angeles, California. This section is 532 miles long and passes through New Mexico and California. Along the way, travelers will pass through the cities of Needles, California; Barstow, California; and Santa Monica, California. This section of the route is known for its picturesque mountain ranges and rugged coastline. It is also home to several iconic landmarks, including the Santa Monica Pier in California and the Oatman Ghost Town in Arizona.
FAQs
How long is Route 66?
Route 66 is approximately 2,448 miles long.
How many states does Route 66 go through?
Route 66 goes through eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
How many sections does Route 66 have?
Route 66 has four distinct sections: the Midwestern, Southern, Southwestern, and Western sections.
What is the Midwestern section of Route 66 known for?
The Midwestern section of Route 66 is known for its rolling hills and lush greenery.
What is the Southern section of Route 66 known for?
The Southern section of Route 66 is known for its wide-open spaces and vast prairies.
What is the Southwestern section of Route 66 known for?
The Southwestern section of Route 66 is known for its red-rock formations and desert landscapes.
What is the Western section of Route 66 known for?
The Western section of Route 66 is known for its picturesque mountain ranges and rugged coastline.
What iconic landmarks are located along Route 66?
Several iconic landmarks are located along Route 66, including the Meramec Caverns in Missouri, the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma, the Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the Round Barn in Arcadia, Oklahoma, the Painted Desert in Arizona, the Petrified Forest in Arizona, the Santa Monica Pier in California, and the Oatman Ghost Town in Arizona.
Which cities does Route 66 pass through?
Route 66 passes through several cities, including Chicago, Illinois; St. Louis, Missouri; Springfield, Illinois; Joplin, Missouri; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Wichita Falls, Texas; Amarillo, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Flagstaff, Arizona; Holbrook, Arizona; Needles, California; Barstow, California; and Santa Monica, California.
What is the shortest section of Route 66?
The shortest section of Route 66 is the Midwestern section, which runs from Chicago, Illinois to Tulsa, Oklahoma and is 754 miles long.
What is the longest section of Route 66?
The longest section of Route 66 is the Western section, which runs from Gallup, New Mexico to Los Angeles, California and is 532 miles long.
What year did Route 66 officially begin?
Route 66 officially began in 1926.
What year did Route 66 officially end?
Route 66 officially ended in 1985.
When was Route 66 modified?
Route 66 has been modified several times since it officially ended in 1985.